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Takeaways from the 2025 Mainebiz CEO Forum in Bangor

Photo / Soubanh Phanthay Deb Neuman, left, president and CEO of the Bangor Regional Chamber of Commerce, was joined at the Mainebiz Bangor CEO forum by Michael Stoddard, Sherry Billings, Dale Hamilton, Marc Guastella, Betsy Lundy and Amber Lambke.
By Alexis Wells

Six Maine business and nonprofit leaders at a Mainebiz forum on Wednesday shared lessons they've learned in their professional lives — from tips on communication and attitude to listening and delegating.

The event featured a panel discussion on "60 ideas in 60 minutes," moderated by Deb Neuman, president and CEO of the Bangor Regional Chamber of Commerce.

This year's group represented various industries — small businesses, health care, real estate, nonprofits, economic development and hospitality. The panelists each shared 10 ideas for succeeding in business and life.  

About 115 people attended the morning event, which took place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor. Here are some highlights from the conversation.

'Practice listening'

Amber Lambke, the founder and CEO of Maine Grains, which is based in Skowhegan and has about 20 employees, advised leaders to practice active listening.

"A colleague may need to feel listened to and heard with no comments needed," said Lambke. "Even though there is a response already coming up in your head, listen."

She also said that instead of jumping in to solve problems, offer tools. 

"[As leaders] our genetics are to jump in and solve problems, but sometimes just stop, listen and offer tools, but don't [try to] solve the problem."

Lambke has worked with local business leaders and community members to bring back the cultivation and processing of grains in the Northeast. She was a 2022 Mainebiz Business Leader of the Year. 

'Humility is everything' 

Practice humility, said Marc Guastella, the vice president and general manager of the Hollywood Casino Bangor. 

"Something we say often is that everyone has equal value in the organization," said Guastella.

Instill in the staff that everyone is valuable.

"As a leader, you are not above everyone. Check your ego at the door. When you do that, you have workers who open up," Guastella said. 

Guastella also said that leaders should take responsibility for their actions.

"Accountability, it all starts with the leader and then everyone follows suit," said Guastella.

'Curiosity'

When you feel defensive or agitated, become curious, said Sherry Billings, the executive director of Island Housing Trust. 

She suggests focusing on three things: What is this person's intent? What are they trying to say? And what is it about me that is creating this response?

"Curiosity is crucial," said Billings. "When I feel defensive or agitated by something someone said, I become curious to see where the other person is coming from. Then I became curious about myself, and I find that important as a leader and growing as a leader."

Learn from your favorite team

Michael Stoddard, the executive director for Efficiency Maine, urged audience members to take lessons from your favorite sports teams.

"You can learn a lot about building and managing a team, coaching, developing plans and strategies, preparation, execution, mid-game adjustments, budgeting, contracting and reviewing and analyzing data just by following the Pats, the Sox or the Bruins," said Stoddard. 

"Team sports are also a great model for building a culture of collaboration and camaraderie that will make your organization a desirable and rewarding place to work." 

'Trailheads, not the peaks' 

Betsy Lundy, the executive director for Downtown Bangor Partnership, suggested looking back at "trailheads" rather than the peaks. Doing so will make it easier to identify future adventures worth embarking on.

"How do you identify the trail to take in your life?" said Lundy. "Choosing the right starting point is very important instead of looking at the end goal."

Be hopeful, but recognize what else is needed

"Hope is not a strategy," said Dale Hamilton, the executive director of Community Health and Counseling Services.

Hamilton, in his 10 tips, cited the need for accountability, vision, communication, leadership and learning from failure. "A culture of accountability is critical for success. Open communication and feedback set the tone."

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